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Habitat for Humanity’s response to the Ecuador earthquake

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (April 22, 2016) — After the devastating earthquake in Ecuador on April 16, Habitat for Humanity, through its Latin America and the Caribbean regional office, will provide assistance to families who lost their homes.

The initial stage (six first months after the emergency) will focus on providing solutions aimed at improving the living conditions of 2,000 families in 3 communities in the city of Portoviejo, in the province of Manabi (most affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake). This response will be possible in conjunction with local partners in Ecuador.

In this stage, tool and emergency shelter kits will be distributed. Also, technical training will be provided to the beneficiaries to make sure they can leave the shelters, repair their homes or start building a transitional shelter, either in a place of their own or in land temporarily assigned to them.

These temporary accommodations can be later enlarged by the family itself, either reusing the materials or adding quarters. Families will be guided, through a participatory methodology, on where and how they may enlarge the house or where to build a more permanent one in their plot of land.

A second stage (reconstruction) begins in the sixth month and it extends for approximately 18 – 24 months. Under the “Pathways to Permanence” approach, different housing solutions will be explored in partnership with other stakeholders and private and government entities.

“Although Habitat for Humanity does not have a national office in Ecuador, we are working with local partners in the province of Manabi to provide help to those families who lost their homes in the earthquake. We are committed to help them find a decent place to live”, said Torre Nelson, vicepresident of Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitatlatino.org